the essential guide - Texas Council on Family Violence

Chapter 2: Basics to Providing AdvocacyIn this chapter you will: Explore <strong>the</strong> role of an advocate and review ethics of advocacy. Review two <strong>the</strong>oretical models to inform advocacy work: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and <strong>the</strong>Social Ecology Model. Review safety planning basics. Review topics in confidentiality. Identify appropriate documentation to promote client safety and agency accountability.What is an advocate?An advocate is a person who works in support or defense of a person or cause. In this case, you areworking to support and <strong>the</strong> on behalf of a survivor of family violence.While advocates may come to us in many forms—hotline operators, case managers, shelter directors,specialized legal and immigration advocates, volunteer coordinators and executive directors, amongmany o<strong>the</strong>rs at your organization who stretch from <strong>the</strong> Board of Directors to your volunteers pool—alladvocates are working on behalf of survivors in a specific capacity ei<strong>the</strong>r directly or indirectly.While <strong>the</strong> majority of this chapter focuses on advocates providing direct services to victims, please notethat all staff members are advocates in <strong>the</strong> movement to end violence against women.What does an advocate do?Respects Confidentiality Clearly explains <strong>the</strong> limits of confidentiality. Respects that any personal information shared is <strong>the</strong> survivors’ and respects <strong>the</strong>ir right todecide when and how to share information.Believes and Validates Experiences Listens without judgment. Uses Active Listening skills.Acknowledges Injustice Assures survivors <strong>the</strong> abuse is not <strong>the</strong>ir fault. Assures survivors no one deserves to be abused.Respects Autonomy Recognizes survivors are <strong>the</strong> experts in <strong>the</strong>ir own lives. Respects survivors’ right to make decisions and <strong>the</strong>ir own choices. Clearly explains <strong>the</strong> scope of services offered, limits to services and any time constraints. Models healthy and ethical communication. Sets appropriate boundaries and respects survivors’ boundaries.THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE14 | P a g e